A Semester at Sea

Photo Credit: Toolkit.bootsnall.com

     As the shoreline disappears and the vastness of the world is before them, students gain a once-in-a-lifetime experience while enrolled in a Semester at Sea. This floating university offers a variety of experiences unlike any other study abroad program.
     Beginning in 1963 over 45,000 students have woken up to an ocean view and visited 8-10 countries in a single semester. Brazil, China, South Africa, and Ghana are only a few ports planned for the next term, Spring 2012, which is set to begin January 19th in Nassau, Bahamas and proceed until May 2nd, making its final port in San Diego, CA.
     One student who participated in the Semester at Sea, Kadir, started a blog documenting his experiences. In one of his first posts, An Unbelievable Opportunity, Kadir stated, "The concept of traveling around the world on a ship, sounded like such an amazing experience I just could not pass it up. I will be spending the night on the Great Wall of China, sitting under Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, climbing on the ancient Angkor Wat, and posing in front of the infamous Taj Mahal."

Photo Credit: Semester at Sea

     Besides from diving into a number of different cultures, the Semester at Sea also offers students amazing experiences while aboard the ship. The 2002 MV Explorer contains seven decks available to students which include a wellness center, gym, student cabins, an outdoor pool, dining halls, class rooms,and a Multi-Media lab among other things.
     The Semester at Sea website has more information regarding voyages, finances, and important dates students need to know when considering spending a semester at sea.

Study Abroad Expo

    The commencement lawn was once again buzzing with students as the CSULB Study Abroad expo made its appearance on October 12, 2011.
     Depending on the classes you choose to take, along with the country you wish to reside in, the right program for you was probably there. Ranging from semester programs to a semester at sea the booths were filled with information packets, business cards, and brochures to help students find the program that fits them best.
     When asked about the difference between a semester at sea and a regular study abroad program, Liza Vogal, the correspondent for the ICS Study Abroad program, stated, "It's completely different. The semester at sea is usually more focused on environmental studies and is at sea for the majority of the time. They dock at different countries and that's when students get to go on their excursions. However a regular study abroad program includes room and board, transportation, tuition, and a few excursions, so you can't really compare the two because they're completely different.
    The range of programs and majors offered allowed students to get the information they needed.

Upcoming Expo

Photo Credit: Julie Middleton

    The Study Abroad Expo is back at the Long Beach State campus for any students interested in studying abroad. The expo will take place October 12, 2011 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on the grassy lawn outside the bookstore.  
     Students will have the opportunity to listen to speakers, ask questions, and learn about the prospects of studying abroad. Correspondents for different programs and countries will also be attending and can be found at the numerous tables.
     Alle Culbertson, a CSULB student currently studying Fashion Merchandising is considering attending the expo. "Although I haven't completely decided whether or not I'll study abroad next semester, I'm interested in the information I'll get at the expo. And I can't wait to talk to students about their experiences and tips."

Safety Abroad

Photo credit: Minnie's Banners

     With the growing conflict throughout the world, many may wonder how safe studying abroad may actually be. Is learning about cultures in our classrooms safer than studying abroad or are enough precautions being taken for students in this dangerous world?
     According to the article in the Detroit News, "Turmoil Shouldn't Deter Study Abroad," participation in study abroad programs actually increased 40 percent between 2000 and 2006. Not even with the 2003 SARS breakout, the Madrid bombings of 2004, or the lingering effects from September 11th were students deterred from spending weeks in a foreign country. 
     With the turmoil and uncertainty in the world precautions can always be taken to protect oneself. Self defense classes and first aid training are two simple ways to ensure that students have the basic tools to defend themselves. Along with these tools it is also a good idea to have a local contact you can rely on. Their knowledge of the city may come in handy when planning an excursion or knowing which streets to avoid. Having this basic knowledge puts each student one step ahead of their basic criminal and could be the difference between getting mugged or not. 
    Random acts of violence occur in every country but having some basic self defense and knowledge of the city will go a long way in each student's safety. Many programs are now requiring some type of self defense or first aid training before studying abroad to help protect their students from violence and muggings which hopefully will protect the students in foreign countries.